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Aaron Judge homers in first WBC at-bat in electric Team USA moment

Aaron Judge and Kyle Schwarber high-five after Judge's two-run home run.
United States' Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with Kyle Schwarber (12) after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Brazil, Friday, March 6, 2026, in Houston.

Aaron Judge has officially made his mark on the world stage.

In his first career World Baseball Classic at-bat, Judge blasted a two-run homer into the left-center stands in the first inning of Team USA’s opening pool play game against Brazil on Friday.

Judge’s home run was met with a loud roar from the fans at Daikin Park in Houston.

The blast gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead early on, as Brazil’s starting pitcher Bo Takahashi struggled in the first inning.

Brazil did answer back with a leadoff home run by outfielder Lucas Ramirez off USA starter Logan Webb.

This year is Judge’s first appearance in the WBC, having skipped out on 2023’s tournament and being a rookie in MLB back in 2017.

Despite it being his first go-around, Judge was named captain of the U.S. team upon agreeing to participate in this year’s tournament in April 2025.

United States’ Aaron Judge runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Brazil, Friday, March 6, 2026, in Houston. AP

During an appearance on “The Show with Joel Sherman & Jon Heyman” in February, USA manager Mark DeRosa detailed how he failed to bring Judge on in 2013, and what the process was like bringing the three-time American League MVP on for this time around.

DeRosa said he got wind that Judge wanted to play for Team USA from legendary Yankees southpaw Andy Pettitte, and decided to go from there.

“I just said, ‘Hey Aaron, I’m not going to bug you throughout the year. … I talked to Andy Pettitte, I’d love for you to be obviously the captain of Team USA and kind of start with you and filter everything around you as the pillar of this thing,’” DeRosa said was his pitch to Judge. 

United States’ Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with Kyle Schwarber (12) after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a World Baseball Classic game against Brazil, Friday, March 6, 2026, in Houston. AP

“He called me back within 48 hours and was like, ‘I’m in, I want to do it.’ … I started it in April, I just started slow-playing and trying to make pitches,” he added. “I was building a Dream Team at night in my apartment on paper. Trying to make lineups out and pitching staffs.

“I was just slowly cold-calling people and seeing where their heads were at.”

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SEE IT: Yankees' Aaron Judge homers in first World Baseball Classic at-bat for Team USA

All rise!

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge made his World Baseball Classic debut on Friday for Team USA and punctuated the occasion with a two-run blast.

After Bobby Witt Jr. led off with a single and Bryce Harper struck out, Judge came up against Brazil starter Bo Takahashi.

Judge got ahead in the count, 3-0, when Takahashi hung a 80 mph sweeper over the heart of the plate. The two-time reigning AL MVP got the green light and deposited the pitch 405 feet into the crowd in Houston.

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Senators Acquire Former Ottawa 67s Winger At The Deadline

Despite their best efforts, the Senators were quiet on NHL Trade Deadline Day, but shortly after the deadline passed, the Sens did announce an interesting minor-league deal.

The Senators swapped forwards with the Washington Capitals, acquiring Graeme Clarke, a player with strong local ties. Clarke grew up in Ottawa and spent three seasons in the OHL with the Ottawa 67’s before turning pro.

In return, the Senators are sending the Capitals Wyatt Bongiovanni, Belleville's leading goal scorer last season. 

Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third round (80th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Clarke appeared in three NHL games with the Devils, and his AHL career has taken him to Hershey, Binghamton, Utica, and Iowa.

He was part of those outstanding 67s teams whose Memorial Cup potential was derailed by the COVID shutdown, and represented Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, scoring three points in five games en route to a gold medal.

Clarke's younger brother, Brandt, is a defenseman with the LA Kings, and it was Brandt's emergence last season that made Jordan Spence expendable in LA. Clarke's sister, MacKenzie, plays defense for the St. Lawrence University women’s team.

According to his new team, he may make his Belleville debut on Saturday night, when the Sens host the Comets at CAA Arena. 

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

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Clippers rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser to miss rest of season

Los Angeles Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser writhes on the floor after he was injured during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers center Yanic Konan Niederhauser writhes on the floor after he was injured during a win against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at Intuit Dome. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

Yanic Konan Niederhauser tore a ligament in his right foot, putting an early end to his rookie season with the Clippers.

The 7-foot Swiss center was injured Wednesday night in a 130-107 win against the Indiana Pacers. Niederhauser was diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury in his right foot and will require surgery, the team said. The injury involves damage to the ligaments or bones in the middle of the foot.

Niederhauser averaged 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 41 games. After being selected 30th in last year's NBA draft, he began the season in the G League, but after the Clippers traded Ivica Zubac last month, he was earning more minutes.

In his last five games, Niederhauser was shooting 52% from the field and averaging 8.2 points and 6.2 rebounds while playing 18 minutes a game.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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2026 Spring Breakout showcases top prospects

The 3rd annual MLB Spring Breakout showcases the top prospects in baseball, including the San Diego Padres top players in their minor league system. Ninety-one of the top 100 prospects have been named to be included in the rosters for the 16 games that will be played between March 19-22.

This will be the last year that the present format will be in place. Beginning next season, and including 2028, the format will change to a single-elimination style tournament with two teams crowned champions. The Cactus League will have a champion from their 15 teams and the Grapefruit League will have a champion from their 15 teams. The new format doesn’t begin this year in order to not compete with the WBC.

The top 100 prospects in MLB include No. 4 Leo DeVries, traded by the Padres to the Athletics in exchange for Mason Miller and JP Sears. The A’s also received ranked prospects Braden Nett, Henry Baez and Eduarniel Nuñez, all of whom are currently on the A’s roster for the game.

MLB No. 1 prospect, SS Konnor Griffin, and No. 2 prospect, SS Kevin McGonigle, will play against each other when the Pittsburgh Pirates (Griffin) match up with the Detroit Tigers (McGonigle) on March 20 at 4:35 p.m. PT on MLB Network.

The No. 3 MLB prospect, SS/2B Jesus Made, will play for the Milwaukee Brewers against the No. 4 prospect, SS Leo DeVries for the A’s on March 22 at 1:05 p.m. PT on MLB Network. Eight of the 16 games will be broadcast live on MLBN while the other games are carried on their respective team networks or on MLB.TV.

San Diego Padres

The Friars play their breakout game on March 21 versus the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz. at 6:05 p.m. PT on Padres.TV and broadcast on 97.3 FM The Fan, their flagship radio station. MLB.com released its new top 30 prospects for the Padres this past week. Lefty starting pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft is now ranked as the top prospect in the system. Although he has only pitched 1.2 innings of professional baseball, Schoolcraft has huge upside and is being ranked solely on that assessment.

Catcher Ethan Salas, the No. 2 Padres prospect, is still admired for his defensive attributes but is no longer considered a balanced player with his offense not showing well in his limited time above low-A ball. After missing most of the past season, Salas will have to prove himself as a hitter to regain his position as a top prospect in MLB.

The rosters for the teams are including the full top 30 prospects for each team and additional players added per the organization’s desire to have the largest pool of players to choose from. On March 18, the rosters will be trimmed to 23-27 players per team and that will be the final roster for the games.

The Padres have all 30 of their top prospects as well as players recently brought over from the Dominican Summer League to begin their training on US soil and be assigned to a US team. International players to note include SS/2B Jhoan De La Cruz, who helped lead his DSL team to the championship last season. Taiwanese righty Lan-Hong Su and RHP Jeferson Villabona were added from the international ranks. SS Dylan Grego, who was drafted in 2025 and both of the newly drafted catchers, Ty Harvey and Truitt Madonna, are on the original list.

The Cubs top rated prospect, MLB No. 55 catcher Moises Ballesteros, headlines their roster and RHP Jaxon Wiggins, the No. 58 MLB prospect, will likely start the game for the Cubs. The Padres have multiple pitchers who could start but Schoolcraft is the only one ranked on MLB Pipeline and he sits at No. 88.

There will be an updated Padres roster and a game preview after the final rosters are announced.

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Blanchet leads in Puerto Rico as John Daly II stays in the mix

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico (AP) — Chandler Blanchet did more than make his first cut of the year on the PGA Tour. His 5-under 67 on Friday gave him a four-shot lead in the Puerto Rico Open with a pair of teenager and John Daly's son around for the weekend.

Blanchet made birdies on all the par 5s at Grand Reserve and matched the tournament record for largest lead through 36 holes.

Gordon Sargent, one shot off the lead when the day began, shot 70 to fall four back.

Blanchet was at 13-under 131.

“The first part of the season, it’s been difficult, for sure,” Blanchet said. “It’s no fun practicing on Saturday and Sunday and not playing and waiting five days. So will be very happy to play some golf on a Saturday and Sunday this weekend.”

Blades Brown, the 18-year-old who turned pro before graduating high school in January, gets another crack at becoming the youngest PGA Tour winner in 95 years. Brown shot 67 and was tied for third, hoping to build off the experience of playing in the final group with Scottie Scheffler at The American Express last month.

Brown was at 8-under 136 along with Ricky Castillo (68), Jesper Svensson of Sweden (69) and Jeremy Paul of Germany (67).

“Yeah, we're halfway there,” Brown said. “A lot can happen in two days, so I’m excited for the weekend.”

Daly played bogey-free and was six shots out of the lead in a tie for seventh. The Arkansas alum is making his PGA Tour debut.

His father, the two-time major champion, played the Puerto Rico Open six times, making the cut four times with his best finish at tie for 10th in 2015, when his son was 11.

“It’s awesome. This place has always been one of my favorites to come watch my dad play back in the day, so it’s pretty cool to make it to the weekend,” Daly said.

Brown wasn't the only teenager to make the weekend. Miles Russell, the 17-year-old who already has committed to play at Florida State, make his first cut in his fifth PGA Tour start by making birdie from the bunker on his final hole at the par-5 ninth.

The winner gets a spot in The Players Championship next week and the PGA Championship, but not the Masters because it is held opposite the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

John Daly authored one of the more amazing wins when he was the ninth alternate for the 1991 PGA Championship, got in when Nick Price withdrew, and then overwhelmed Crooked Stick with his power to win.

Could another surprise be in the works with his son?

“Honestly, go out there and try to go a low as I can,” Daly said. “I got nothing to lose, so just go out there and have fun and just keep doing what I’m doing.”

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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Dodgers vs. Royals game chat

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 1: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a warm up toss prior to a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camelback Ranch on March 1, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers play their first night game of the spring as they host the Kansas City Royals at Camelback Ranch. Ryder Ryan makes his second start against right-hander Mitch Spence.

FRIDAY GAME INFO
  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Royals
  • Ballpark: Camelback Ranch
  • Time: 5:05 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: none

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Adam Silver plans "substantial" changes to NBA draft lottery, due to tanking

The NBA's tanking problem won't be easily solved. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver nevertheless plans to implement potential solutions.

Via Jared Weiss of The Athletic, Silver said Friday at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference the NBA will make “substantial” changes to the NBA draft lottery next year.

Silver mentioned possibilities including disconnecting the draft order from records.

"That would be a major shock to the system," Silver said. "Not to forecast where we’re going, but I’m an incrementalist."

The situation requires something much more than incremental moves. Silver has correctly acknowledged that the current process leads to misaligned incentives. The only way to change that is to make draft order depend on something other than record. A straight lottery with all teams getting one ping-pong ball in the hopper would do that.

The ultimate way to align incentives would be to turn the draft order on its head, giving the champion the first pick and the worst team the last. That would absolutely remove any and all temptations to lose games on purpose.

For the NBA, the problem is that some teams have accepted short-term losing as a cost of long-term business.

“There’s been a destigmatization around certain behaviors and I think that’s a broader societal issue," Silver said. "I think in other aspects of society, the guard rails have come off a little bit."

Adam, please don't blame society for your team's business decisions. Blame your teams for prioritizing getting better players later over winning now.

Still, to the extent that societal expectations have changed, the NBA isn't a follower. It's at the front of the freaking line.

For the NFL, it's important to be thinking of ways to get ahead of the problem before it fully and completely becomes one. If/when the season expands to 18 games, it will only become more likely — and more obvious — when teams choose to engineer a lost season in the direction of a draft-day win.

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Spring Training game thread XIII – Royals at Dodgers

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 3: Isaac Collins #1 of the Kansas City Royals runs up the line on a ground out during a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against Team Cuba at Surprise Stadium on March 3, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The World Baseball Classic is in full swing; I’m watching Mexico try to finish off Great Britain as I write this. But there are still players left behind in Spring Training who are still competing for jobs and Mitch Spence is one of those.

The Royals traded for the righty just as Spring Training was getting underway, and after spending most of the last two seasons with the Athletics, he appears to be on the outside looking in at the Royals’ big league roster. He’s only made one appearance so far this spring, a two-inning start against Milwaukee back on March 1. In that game, he struck out two, walked none, gave up zero hits, and hit a batter. So, a pretty good start for him. He’ll try to build on that tonight.

Here’s the starting lineup for the Royals:

Collins and Massey are the only guys starting tonight who currently project to make it to the Royals’ opening day roster, and neither as starters. Starling Marte still won’t make it onto the field, sadly. Maybe tomorrow!

Here are all the pitchers on tonight’s roster who could appear after Spence:

  • Nick Mears (RHP)
  • Hector Neris (RHP)
  • Steven Cruz (RHP)
  • Ben Sears (RHP)
  • Beck Way (RHP)
  • Auguto Mendieta (RHP)
  • Daniel Lynch IV (LHP)
  • Lucas Erceg (RHP)
  • Henry Williams (RHP)

The game will be broadcast on local radio at 96.5 FM, though you could also watch the Dodgers’ TV broadcast on MLB TV if you are subscribed and not in either market, so that’s how I’ll probably be enjoying the game.

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Canucks Make Two Roster Moves On Trade Deadline Day

With the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline officially passed, and two trades made today, the Vancouver Canucks have made a handful of roster moves for logistical purposes. This includes sending Cole Clayton back down to the AHL and assigning Nikita Tolopilo to the Abbotsford Canucks and recalling him on an emergency basis immediately after. 

Clayton was called-up by the Canucks yesterday, with this taking place only a day after the team traded Tyler Myers to the Dallas Stars. The same day as Clayton’s call-up, Vancouver also traded Jett Woo to the San Jose Sharks for defenceman Jack Thompson. A depth defenceman acquired in the Kiefer Sherwood trade back in January, Clayton has put up two assists in 16 games with Abbotsford. 

Since Vancouver traded both Conor Garland and David Kämpf within the past couple of days, the Canucks will only have access to 12 forwards and six defencemen for tonight’s game. 

The roster move involving Tolopilo was done in order to ensure he can play in Abbotsford through the remainder of the season if situations call for it, as after the deadline, AHL teams are not allowed to put NHL players on their roster if they are not already on there. This means today’s move counts solely as a paper transaction, as Tolopilo is expected to start for Vancouver tonight when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks at 5:30 pm PT today. 

Feb 25, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN;Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo (60) makes a save against Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) during first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN;Vancouver Canucks goaltender Nikita Tolopilo (60) makes a save against Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) during first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin Discusses 2026 Trade Deadline Moves

Canucks Trade Pending UFA David Kämpf To The Washington Capitals

Canucks Trade Lukas Reichel To Boston For A Sixth-Round Pick 

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Postgame notes on a Colorado Rockies 11-6 win over the Athletics

Mar 6, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros (12) challenges the strike call against the Athletics in the third inning at Hohokam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Today, this Colorado Rockies soundly defeated The Athletics 11-6.

For game highlights, click here.

I was unable to download manager Warren Schaeffer’s comments, so here’s Chase Dollander:

Brett Sullivan had quite a day:

And here’s Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros (who gave us some “Karro’s taco’s):

And, finally, please enjoy five minutes of Rockies highlights:

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

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Dodgers vs. Royals spring training game roster

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 27, 2026: Alex Freeland #76 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to first base during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on February 27, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Dodgers host the Kansas City Royals at Camelback Ranch on Friday in their first night game this spring, with a 5:05 p.m. PT start. This is the second of two consecutive night games at Camelback Ranch, with the Colorado Rockies coming over on Saturday.

Lineup

Miguel Rojas 3B
Freddie Freeman 1B
Mookie Betts SS
Teoscar Hernández LF
Dalton Rushing C
Alex Freeland 2B
Nick Senzel DH
James Tibbs III RF
Michael Siani CF

Ryder Ryan starts first in what will be a bullpen game for the Dodgers.

Other pitchers

Tanner Scott, Will Klein, Edgardo Henriquez, and Ronan Kopp are slated to pitch Friday, as are non-roster invitees Antoine Kelly and Wyatt Mills.

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Roberts scores 17, No. 12 Louisville women beat Syracuse in ACC Tournament quarterfinals

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Tajianna Roberts scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, Mackenly Randolph had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 12 Louisville beat Syracuse 87-61 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

Second-seeded Louisville (26-6) plays the winner between No. 3 seed North Carolina and sixth-seeded Virginia Tech in the semifinals Saturday.

Reyna Scott made 7 of 10 from the field and finished with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Cardinals. Skylar Jones scored 12 while Imari Berry and Laura Ziegler each added 11 points.

Syracuse (23-8), the No. 7 seed, announced before the game that Dominique Darius — who averages 12.6 points and has a team-high 106 assists this season — would miss the rest of the tournament due to a hand injury suffered in the Orange’s 70-59 win over California in the second round.

Uche Izoje had 22 points, 16 in the first half, and nine rebounds for the Orange. Sophie Burrows added 12 points and nine rebounds and Jasmyn Cooper scored 11.

Roberts opened the scoring with a 3-point shot nearly three minutes into the game that sparked a 17-3 run and Louisville led by at least eight points the rest of the way.

The Cardinals made 36 of 68 (56%) from the field and limited Syracuse to 34% (23 of 67) shooting, 4 of 25 (16%) from 3-point range.

Up next

Syracuse: Awaits a likely at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Louisville: Plays Saturday in the semifinals.

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ST Game 15: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres

PEORIA, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring during the game between the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Julia Jacome/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres, March 6, 2026, 5:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV/MLB Network

Location: Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

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GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

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Bryce Harper wants MLB players to play in 2028 Olympics: ‘Great for baseball’

United States' Bryce Harper walks to the team dugout prior to an exhibition baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz.
United States' Bryce Harper walks to the team dugout prior to an exhibition baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Bryce Harper is already vouching for big leaguers to play in the 2028 Olympics. 

The Phillies star spoke with USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Friday and made it clear where he stands as baseball returns to the Summer Games. 

”I hope LA ’28 happens,” Harper said. “I’m hoping the next CBA agreement can happen where teams and players can come to an agreement on taking that two-week break, especially it being in our home country.

“It would be great for baseball. You talk about growing the game and being able to grow it at that, at the highest level would help out tremendously.”

United States’ Bryce Harper, left, Aaron Judge, center, and Alex Bregman sit in the team dugout prior to an exhibition baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. AP

Despite the growing popularity of the World Baseball Classic, Harper put the Summer Olympics on a much higher tier than the tournament, which kicked off on Wednesday. 

“Obviously the WBC is great, but it’s not the Olympics,” Harper said. “That’s no disrespect to the WBC or anything. But everybody knows when the Olympics are on, everybody is watching. Doesn’t matter what sport it is. It could be the most random sport and it has all of the fans watching it.”

Baseball became an official Olympic sport in 1992, and stayed so until 2008, although major leaguers have never been allowed to play in the games. 

After being removed from the Olympic program in 2012 and 2016, baseball returned in 2021 during the Tokyo games, although current MLB players were excluded. 

In 2024, baseball was once again removed when the games headed to Paris. 

Last month, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred appeared to be on the same page as Harper regarding the professional baseball players in the Olympics. 

United States’ Bryce Harper walks to the team dugout prior to an exhibition baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. AP

“I think that we’re a lot closer to [an agreement] than the last time we talked about it,” Manfred said during the Winter Olympics. “There are some issues with the MLBPA that we just need to resolve. I sense a lot of momentum towards playing in L.A. in 2028. I think we’re going to get over those issues.

“I think people have come to appreciate that the Olympics on U.S. soil is a unique marketing opportunity for the game. I think we’ve got a lot of players interested in doing it and I feel pretty good about the idea that we’ll get there.”